how to make a 3d printed vestibular apparatus ball maze

Ball Maze Close Up

If you’ve ever used the analogy of a ball maze to explain how the crystals in the semicircular canals need to be moved in a certain pattern to get them back to the vestibule–then this DIY project is for you!  We have taken the ball maze toy and adapted it to be both fun and anatomically realistic so you can easily explain to students, patients, friends, and family how the vestibular system works.

Step 1

Gather Your Supplies

  • 3D Printer – You will need access to a machine that has a print-size of at least 120mm x  120mm (4.7″ x 4.7″).  If you aren’t able to find one, check out a service like Craftcloud.  Use referral code REFN8KMEEQL to get 10% off your order!  Our models are provided in millimeters and we recommend any basic plastic like PLA or SLA for a cost effective printing.
  • Ball Bearings – We recommend using 8 to 10 steel ball bearings with a mix of 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm in diameter.   If you’d like to be more realistic, use a mix of sizes (similar to the otoconia)   This handy ball bearing kit ends up being cheaper if you’re planning on making a few of them, else look online for these sizes.
  • Petri Dish Lid – This model is designed to hold the lid of this 120mm petri dish from Amazon.
  • Paint – Most 3D plastics can be painted, but you should make sure make sure it holds the color well and don’t stick to the balls when dried.  Our model uses a standard water-based latex house paint.  Be creative and find the colors that work best for you!
  • Brushes – You will need a 1″ foam brush and a small brush set to paint the top wall and interior cupula divots and vestibule.  If you’ve done any house project or school craft lately, you likely have these already–nothing fancy needed.

Step 2

Download the model

We have published our models on a 3D design site called Printables which allows people to collaborate and connect on projects.  Please visit the Vestibular First 3D Models page to view this and our other 3D models.

Step 3

Print the ball maze

Each printer and filament is different, however, here are our general recommendations.  Your mileage may vary–so use these settings as just a starting point:

  • Layer Height: 0.25mm
  • Infill: 50%
  • First Layer Height: 150%

Step 4

Paint the Model

The colors options are endless–so make it your own!  Our vestibular ball maze has a basic color scheme that uses the following options: 

  • Cupula divots: Red
  • Vestibule: Green
  • Border: Blue

Note:  You must let the paint fully dry before proceeding to the next step or the ball bearings will get stuck on the wet paint!

Step 5

Insert Ball Bearings and Seal Lid

The final step is to put the ball bearings into the vestibule and then place the lid on the maze.  Make sure test that the balls can get into all of the canals and don’t get stuck on the lid.  If all is good–lay a thin bead of glue around the base of the ball maze where the lid connects and let dry for 24 hours. 

Success!